MIAMI 2016: Shows open with high hopes for weekend

The two big Miami boat shows opened their 2016 editions concurrently Thursday under sunny South Florida skies.

The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show got underway at its new location — the Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin on Virginia Key. The Strictly Sail portion of the show remains at its previous location at Miamarina at Bayside.

Yachts Miami Beach, formerly known as the Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach, debuted for 2016 at its traditional location — a mile-long stretch of Indian Creek Waterway along Collins Avenue in Miami Beach — as the largest show in the event’s 28-year history.

The show has expanded north along Collins Avenue, covering 1.2 million square feet of space, and added a second location — Island Gardens Deep Harbour Marina on Watson Island, which features a selection of superyachts.

Our coverage today spans both shows and includes stories about how the Beneteau Group is reorganizing its North American operations, Kadey-Krogen Yachts’ announcement of a 50’ Open that is scheduled to be completed in late 2017 or early 2018 and the annual Boating Writers International writing awards.